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Indys Ultimate Taco Guide
Food & Beverage

Indy’s Ultimate Taco Guide

Downtown

Nada – Nada opened in 2016 and if you haven’t been here, their tacos are a must. They have everything from fried avocado. Al pastor, chicken al carbon, pork belly, baja fish – to my favorite, the hongos tacos. Their margaritas are amazing as well. Next time you stop in, give the chile mango margarita a try. This restaurant uses open table, so be sure to make a reservation through the app and get your points for your visit.

Bakersfield – Home to the best tacos on Mass Ave. They are known for their short rib tacos and pollo rojo tacos. My personal favorite are the baja shrimp tacos. I’m not usually a fan of fried shrimp, but the chipotle lime creama sauce kicks the dish up a knotch. Bakersfield is open late as a bar, but the kitchen closes at 11.

The Taco Shop – The taco shop stepped into the former plow and anchor space. Catch this place open while you can. They make 400 street tacos daily and close once they are sold out. The have a rotating menu. This place is just tacos, and only tacos.

Southside

Lindo Mexico – Lindo has been open for over 25 years on the southside, with an additional location in Lafayette. I’d describe Lindo’s as a step up from your usual Mexican restaurant choice. They have three types of tacos – fish, asada and al pastor. These are all family recipes! They also serve delicious real fruit margaritas that will make your Instagram feed look like you are instafamous.

Mikeys – This is a hidden beech grove gem. They offer $.25 beef or $.75 chicken tacos on Tuesdays. Mikey’s offers both the soft and crunch shells. They aren’t what I would consider the best tacos, but for $.25 you cannot beat the price. People rave about the taco sauce here. Come early, they fill up quickly on Tuesday nights! This is a 21+ establishment.

Carniceria El Ranchito – Very authentic, located inside a Mexican grocery store. It is somewhat of a cafeteria style restaurant.  The taco come out at a lightning speed and the meat is tender with a great flavor. If Pozole or Menudo (weekends only) is more to your liking, then this is the place to go.

East Side

Ixca – The Irvington neighborhood is over the moon to be home to Ixca. This new restaurant serves 5 different tacos in addition to a full Mexican menu. Go for the Al Pastor tacos which consist of marinated pork, chiles, spices, pineapple (am I the only one who is a sucker for pineapple on tacos?) and onions.

Tacos A La Diabla – If you’re a restaurant with Tacos in your name, you have to bring the heat. Located in a small strip mall, you might miss it if you don’t look for their bright sign that says “TACOS”. This place has some of the best tacos with my favorite being the carnitas.

West Side

Tacos and Tequila – You may know the owners from their other venture, Big Woods. Tacos and Tequila offers a more authentic twist on tacos. Many of the recipes come from the staff. If you are feeling adventurous, give the Lenguna tacos a try. That’s Spanish for tongue, cow tongue. This is a great lunch spot if you are in the speedway neighborhood!

Tacos 46 – Located on High School Rd and 30th. This taco joint is all about the cilantro. If you’re not a cilantro fan, ask for it on the side. The tacos are reasonably priced at $2.25 on average. The menu is simple and bonus: it has pictures.

North Side

Cancun – Cancun offers mix and match west coast street-style tacos. Their mahi mahi chipotle fish tacos are my go-to, but I also like the rajas con elote, which are strips of grilled poblano peppers and roasted corn. If you’re also in the mood for margaritas, their margaritas are the best in town.  Have one and you’ll be feeling great. Two and you may need a designated driver! You can even buy their mix to keep at home for your future taco Tuesdays in.

Salty Cowboy – I’ve lovingly named Salty Cowboy the Bakersfield of the northside only so much better. My favorite is their “pink taco”. The pink taco is a pink corn tortilla, battered pacific cod, cilantro creama, pickled onions, smoked jalapeno and pineapple salsa. Their coco cabana is another solid choice – toasted coconut and fried cod. The owner is also the genius behind Noah Grant’s and Seafood and Steakhouse just down the road, so you can trust the quality of their seafood.  It gets even better, they serve a tequila named sparkle donkey. I mean, c’mon. Amazing!

Written by: Kate Ruddell, Into Indy
Feature photo: eatdrinknada.com

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